The mother of an eight-year-old girl with a rare terminal illness has thanked the generous donors who made the trip possible.

Saharrah Fretton has a DCX gene defect which causes epilepsy and is not expected to live beyond 11 years old.

Mum Laura Fretton, 29, of Trinovantian Way, Braintree, raised £5,000 for the trip after doctors told her the Edith Borthwick pupil may go blind by Christmas.

Miss Fretton said: “It was amazing. I don’t think you can actually describe the emotions that go through you when you are there and see her face light up.

“It was a very overwhelming experience for all of us, it is something that we will cherish forever.

“It is all down to the local community. All the hard work of the community has been amazing."